from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Purslane \Purs"lane\, n. [OF. porcelaine, pourcelaine (cf. It.
porcellana), corrupted fr. L. porcilaca for portulaca.]
(Bot.)
An annual plant ({Portulaca oleracea}), with fleshy,
succulent, obovate leaves, sometimes used as a pot herb and
for salads, garnishing, and pickling.
[1913 Webster]
{Flowering purslane}, or {Great flowered purslane}, the
{Portulaca grandiflora}. See {Portulaca}.
{Purslane tree}, a South African shrub ({Portulacaria Afra})
with many small opposite fleshy obovate leaves.
{Sea purslane}, a seashore plant ({Arenaria peploides}) with
crowded opposite fleshy leaves.
{Water purslane}, an aquatic plant ({Ludwiqia palustris}) but
slightly resembling purslane.
[1913 Webster]